Claude Ashley Bullard Johns Island - Claude Ashley Bullard, 76, of Johns Island, SC, passed away suddenly, peacefully, and way too soon at home, on January 22, 2022. Ashley is survived by his wife, Virginia Langford Bullard; daughters, Kristen Ashley Bullard of Washington, DC, and Judy Bullard Hanlon (husband, Todd Hanlon) of Severna Park, MD; and grandsons, Jackson Stone Hanlon and Pierce Jason Hanlon; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Born in Durham, NC, August 4, 1945, the son of the late Robert May Bullard and Frances Bullard Cottingham. An only child, Ashley grew up with cousins who were like siblings. An avid golfer since age 12, he spent summer days at Hillandale Golf Course and played on the golf team at Durham High School. He graduated high school in 1963, attended University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and graduated from Elon College with a BA in Accounting in 1968. Ashley had a dedicated work ethic and career with the Internal Revenue Service. His career took him and his family from Greensboro, NC, to Atlanta, GA, Duncanville, TX, Richmond, VA, and then to Cincinnati, OH, as District Director, where he retired after 35 years. He loved retirement and donned the mantra: "Let the day come to me!" Ashley and Virginia moved to Walterboro, SC, in retirement. He discovered the Low Country, enjoyed kayaking, hiking, bicycling, and a slower pace of life. They built their dream home on Johns Island in Charleston, SC, where they have lived for ten happy years. Circular Congregational Church became his spiritual community, where he felt the peace and love of caring people. Ashley and Virginia, childhood sweethearts, were married for 55 years. He will be remembered as a steady, stable, logical, grounding influence. He brought sunshine and laughter to our lives. A good book or movie, a walk on the beach, a round of golf, travel adventures, cherished friends, babies and children, and his loving family-that's all it took for him to be happy! His wife, daughters, son-in-law, and grandsons, were the light of his life. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022, in the Circular Congregational Church, Charleston, SC, at 2:00 p.m., as well as streamed via the church's YouTube channel. Due to COVID, all persons attending must be fully vaccinated, wear masks, and observe physical distancing. The family will receive friends immediately after the service. Donations may be made to Circular Congregational Church, or MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital Foundation. A memorial message may be sent to the family at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jan. 25 to Jan. 28, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Claude Bullard

Sponsored by J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel.

16 Entries

William Cobau

January 16, 2023

Dear Virginia and family,
It's hard to believe that Ashley has
been gone for almost a year. Although he was with us for a relatively short time, we came to consider him a good friend. We miss
his humor and his golf adventures. Our thoughts are with you. Bill Cobau

Marta Hampton

May 17, 2022

I learned today in the sudden departure of an incredible person! My deepest sympathy to the Mrs. Bullard and the entire family in the loss of the nicest person I have ever met. What humbleness and stamina! You will forever be remembered in my heart and sole! Hang in there as you adjust to a great loss as well as for my practice. Warmly, Dr. Marta Hampton

Becky King Carter

February 8, 2022

Dear Virginia and family,
I have thought of you many times since Ashley´s sudden passing. May you find comfort and peace in love of your friends near far and your church family.

Barbara Busse

February 1, 2022

I remember Ashley from High School. We were in the same home room for 3 years. I remember him as a kind soul..My condolences to the family.

Bernice Easley

January 29, 2022

My condolences to the family. I am sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Ashley in Atlanta many years ago. I remember him as being a nice and funny person. He loved to laugh. May God give you and your family comfort in this difficult time.

Bernice Easley

Linda Hall Ashley

January 29, 2022

Virginia, I am so sorry to learn of Ashley's passing. I loved looking at your beautiful family in the video. He didn't change much since we were in JHS together, but you got even prettier. I know you treasure your 55 years of memories and I pray they are a comfort to you and bring you peace.
In sympathy,
Linda Hall Ashley

Edwin Watts

January 29, 2022

This is truly sad news and my sincere condolences go out to Ashley's family. Ashley and I worked together wnen we were both in the Atlanta Regional Office and had much fun working together especially when several of us took fishing trips into the Gulf of Mexico. Rest in peace my friend!

Duane and Angela

Sent Flowers

William Cobau

January 28, 2022

I mourned the unexpected passing of my friend Ashley Bullard. I met Ashley at the circular book club where his incisive comments always got to the heart of the matter.
I cherish the memory of his visit with Virginia to Maine. Also I would like to mention his kindness to my wife during her illness. He was full of life and concern for others. Ashley made a different in the lives of many of us. He will be sadly miss by everyone who knew him.
Bill Cobau

Milton and JoAnn Hearne

January 27, 2022

Virginia, we are so sad to learn Ashley passed away. We will always remember the wonderful Saturday mornings we shared with you both when we were part of the Circular environmental group taking kids on outings. To be in his company was such a pleasure. We send our condolences to you and family and are keeping you in our prayers.

Virginia and Ashley attended our daughter's wedding in Stone Mountain, GA in October, 1998.

Dottie Coltrane

January 26, 2022

We met the Bullard family in 1978 when they moved from Greensboro, NC (my husband's home town) to Stone Mountain, GA. Their younger daughter, Judy, was in a kindergarten class I taught. Our families became friends, but our friendship was rekindled in 2016 when we met in Plains, GA to hear former President Jimmy Carter teach Sunday School. A year later we visited Ashley and Virginia at their home on Johns Island, SC. They are so dear to us, and have nurtured friendships everywhere they have lived. Ashley left us way too soon, and we, along with Virginia, Kris, Judy and her family are heartbroken.

Gary Tawes

January 26, 2022

My families thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr Ballard will live forever in your Memories, stories, pictures and your personal experiences.

David, Cindy, Morgan, Mckenzie

Sent Flowers

Darlene Jeffers

January 25, 2022

Dear Judy and Family,

I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. I wish I had the right words to ease your grief. I hope that soon your love and memories will replace your grief with smiles, laughter and peace. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers. Judy, I have not reached out to you because I know this is a busy time for you . A time for you and your family. I hope that you know that I love you all and I will be here for you if and when you need it.

Jimmy Gibson

January 25, 2022

So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Ashley. We were friends from Stono Ferry Golf Course and shared a few rounds together over the short time I knew Ashley. He will be missed greatly by his Stono family.

David Roberts

January 25, 2022

Ashley and his father Robert had the best sense of humor round. Never seemed down always had a joke or funny story. So sorry for your loss. Love y'all.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results